Studio Policy 2024-2025

Berkeley Academy of Music
[email protected]
www.BamMusic.org

Be sure to fill out the Student Information Sheet and sign the Liability Waiver (Berkeley)

1. Lessons
   Weekly lessons are scheduled for each student in Berkeley, San Francisco, or online.
   If you are sick, but feeling well enough to play, please arrange for an online lesson.
2. Tuition
   Tuition September 1 – June 16 covers 36 lessons, 2 recitals, 2 mini recital/play days, as well as equipment maintenance and venue rental expenses. Please choose a lesson payment plan that best suits your needs.
   Plan A: Monthly. Due at the first lesson of each month.
    Rates for 2024-25:
     $224/month for 30-minute lessons
     $336/month for 45-minute lessons
   Plan B: Quarterly. Pay for three months (or more) at a time, due at the beginning of each quarter.
    Discounted quarterly rates for 2024-25:
     $638/quarter for 30-minute lessons ($212.80 per month)
     $957/quarter for 45-minute lessons ($319.20 per month)
   During the summer, lessons are billed on a per-lesson basis.
    $56 per 30-minute lesson; $84 per 45-minute lesson.
   Other fees:
    NFMC Festival $40 + $10 per additional event
    Piano Guild $45
    Suzuki Graduation $35
    Music Mind Games Class $35/class
   Other expenses:
    Music books
    Tuning/maintaining your instrument
3. Billing
   Tuition is due at the first lesson of the month.
   If you must cancel a lesson, be aware that we do not offer make up lessons.  Please consider your payment a means to hold your place in the studio.  We strive to be fair in dealing with scheduling needs of both teachers and families.
   Please use Venmo or Zelle for payment.
   Checks payable to the Berkeley Academy of Music.
4. New Students
   Each new student will undergo a three-month trial period, after which a decision will be made as to whether or not the student will continue in the studio.  This is not an audition process.  It is an opportunity for both parents and teachers to assess what would be most beneficial to the student.
5. Parent Role
   Students under the age of 10 are expected to have a parent present at each lesson. The parent’s role in the development of the child’s music education is imperative. Practice should be monitored and instilled in a daily routine. We recommend a daily, regularly scheduled practice routine. Music takes discipline and motivation in order to succeed. It’s not always fun or easy! Both parents and teachers should instill practice skills.
6. Scope of Study
   To become a well-rounded musician, it is essential that students be actively engaged in all facets of music study, including theory, sight-reading, technique, and performance.  Please take advantage of the supplemental activities we offer, such as Music Mind Games, Ensembles, NFMC Festival, Piano Guild, Piano Team, and Suzuki Graduation.
7. Home Environment
   Please show your child how important their musical studies are to you and your family by surrounding your child with music.  We will notify you of concerts, events and musical activities in the area that might interest your family.  We can also recommend books, music tracks, videos, etc.  Let your child know how much you appreciate their work by encouraging them to share their music with family and friends on a regular basis.
8. Nurturing Healthy Progress
   At least once a year, your teacher will set aside part or perhaps all of a lesson time to review your child’s progress, chart a path for the coming year, and assess your child’s musical development.  Should important events occur in between conferences, such as challenges in school or family life, please let us know so that we can be sensitive to the effects it may have on your child and their musical progress.

We look forward to working with you and playing music together!

Naomi Sanchez, director
(415) 378-1447 text/call

Instructors: Ms. Theodora Carson, Ms. Megan Mui, Dr. Jessica Kwong, Ms. Naomi Sanchez, Mr. Javier Trujillo